Centre to provide Rs. 1,350 cr for development of Green Corridor in AP.

The Union Power Ministry is set to sanction Rs. 1,350 crore for developing a Green Energy Corridor in Andhra Pradesh to strengthen the network for renewable projects-particularly solar and wind units.

Appreciating the efforts of the AP Government in implementation of the Power For All (24X7) programme, the Centre at a meeting held recently in New Delhi has announced several sops to the State in implementing some of the projects.

As a part of the Centre's move to support the Power for All scheme in Andhra Pradesh, it would provide additional funding for setting up of solar energy powered pumps.

According to a statement from the Energy conservation cell, apart from funds for Green Corridor, it was decided to increase the number of solar pumps from 4000 to 8000 with the Central Government providing 30 per cent of the cost of these pumpsets as grant.

Further, the Centre has directed Western Coal Fields (WCL) Limited to supply additional 1 million tonnes of coal to AP, which is beneficial to bring up the coal stock position for comfortable operation of the thermal plants.

At a meeting chaired by R.N. Choubey, Special Secretary, Ministry of Power, GoI recently at New Delhi, Ajay Jain, Secretary, Power, who announced the details, said that Andhra Pradesh is preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for improving distribution network in rural & urban areas.

The State also sought the assistance of Central Government for renovation and modernisation of old thermal power units which have served more than 20 years at the Dr. Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station at Viajayawada, Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plants at Muddanuru and for strengthening of Distribution & Transmission network in the State.

The Ministry of Power commended the efforts the AP power sector in reduction of power deficit and reduction of T&D losses.


HBL